Yankees, Mets named trade fits for All-Star pitcher

White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet 's name came up a lot at this year's trade deadline, but the All-Star pitcher remained in Chicago.

But a rival evaluator told ESPN's Buster Olney at last week's general manager meetings that the team will trade Crochet this winter. "It's not a matter of if; it's a question of when."

Based on conversations around the league, Olney named several potential fits for Crochet, including the Yankees and Mets.

The Yankees were interested in Crochet this summer, but Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that when the team inquired about him, they were told they "don't match up" with the White Sox for the pitcher. Olney writes that the Yankees again "don't seem well-positioned for a Crochet deal."

The Mets obviously need to load up on starting pitching this offseason, and they do have the prospect capital to make a compelling offer. They of course have other goals this winter (see: Juan Soto ) but Olney notes that Crochet's "relatively low salary for the next two years would help to offset other expenditures."

Crochet, 25, was the 11th overall pick of Chicago in the 2020 draft. He worked as a relief pitcher and made his first major-league start this season, finishing the year with a 3.58 ERA in 146 innings over 32 starts. Injuries limited his availability and workload over the last few years, and he has undergone Tommy John surgery and dealt with shoulder inflammation.